Does Androgen Deprivation for Prostate Cancer Affect Normal Adaptation to Resistance Exercise?

Abstract

Background: Loss of muscle mass and muscle function is a common side effect from androgen deprivation therapy (ADT) for prostate cancer (PCa). Here, we explored effects of heavy-load resistance training (RT) on lean body mass and muscle strength changes reported in randomized controlled trials (RCTs) among PCa patients on ADT and in healthy elderly men (HEM), by comparison of results in separate meta-analysis. Methods: RCTs were identified through databases and reference lists. Results: Seven RCTs in PCa patients (n = 449), and nine in HEM (n = 305) were included. The effects of RT in lean body mass change were similar among PCa patients (Standardized mean difference (SMD): 0.4, 95% CI: 0.2, 0.7) and HEM (SMD: 0.5, 95% CI: 0.2, 0.7). It is noteworthy that the within group changes showed different patterns in PCa patients (intervention: 0.2 kg; control: −0.6 kg) and HEM (intervention: 1.2 kg; control: 0.2 kg). The effects of RT on change in muscle strength (measured as 1 RM) were similar between PCa patients and HEM, both for lower body- (PCa: SMD: 1.9, 95% CI: 1.2, 2.5; HEM: SMD: 2.2, 95% CI: 1.0, 3.4), and for upper body exercises (PCa: SMD: 2.0, 95% CI: 1.3, 2.7; HEM: SMD: 1.9, 95% CI: 1.3, 2.6). Conclusions: The effects of RT on lean body mass and 1 RM were similar in PCa patients on ADT and HEM, but the mechanism for the intervention effect might differ between groups. It seems that RT counteracts loss of lean body mass during ADT in PCa patients, as opposed to increasing lean body mass in HEM.

Reporting Attendance and Resistance Exercise Compliance in Men with Localized Prostate Cancer

“…In regard to the number of dose modifications, patients experienced ~11 times more dose escalations than dose reductions during the exercise program. As per the principles of specificity, progression, and overload (45), increases in the exercise dose undertaken result from both neural and skeletal muscle adaptations, although the mechanisms may differ from those observed in healthy populations (46). From a practical perspective, this indicates that patients were able to tolerate higher exercise doses throughout the program.…”

Frailty of Prostate Cancer Patients Receiving Androgen Deprivation Therapy: A Scoping Review

“…Loss of muscle mass caused by decreased bone mineral density is related to low muscle strength and physical function [ 16 20 21 22 23 ]. Additionally, there is a correlation between ADT and a decrease in lean body mass, which is associated with low physical activity [ 24 25 26 ]. Exhaustion/fatigue is also a well-known adverse effect of ADT [ 24 27 ].…”